Durham to appeal ruling on Duke lacrosse lawsuits

DURHAM, NC (AP) — Lawyers for the city of Durham will appeal a judge’s ruling allowing members of Duke University’s men’s lacrosse team to seek civil damages from the city.

The Herald-Sun of Durham reported Wednesday the notice of appeal follows a March 31 ruling by U.S. District Judge James Beatty allowing Reid Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and Dave Evans to proceed with a lawsuit for malicious prosecution and other claims.

A similar notice was filed by lawyers representing some city employees involved in the 2006 investigation of allegations by Crystal Mangum leading to the indictment of the three Duke athletes on charges of rape, kidnapping and sexual offense. She had been hired as a stripper.

Attorney General Roy Cooper later declared the players innocent and the lead prosecutor in the case was disbarred.
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Information from: The Herald-Sun, http://www.herald-sun.com